The parents of a girl student in Kerala, who had insisted on wearing a hijab to school, have decided to follow the institution’s dress code and allow their daughter to attend classes. The private St. Rita’s Public School in Palluruthy, Kochi, had declared a two-day holiday after tensions arose over the girl being asked not to wear the headscarf. The parents said, “She will attend classes starting Wednesday. We have decided to abide by the school management’s conditions.”
The school management said that the headscarf was against the dress code but clarified that education would not be denied to any student who follows the rules. PTA president Joshi Kaithavalappil said, “She can continue to attend the classes. The school isn’t denying education to anyone. But we need the students to comply with the school’s rules and discipline.”
Earlier, Subin Paul, Deputy Director of Education in Ernakulam, had noted that the student had the legal right to attend classes and that wearing a hijab could not justify denying education. Kerala’s General Education Minister V. Sivankutty had emphasized that the school’s actions violated the girl’s fundamental rights, including freedom of religion and the right to education. He said, “The management of St. Rita’s Public School had violated the fundamental rights of a girl student who wore a headscarf. The school authorities denied her right to education by making her stand outside the class for ‘violating’ the institution’s dress code.”
The Deputy Director of Education had asked the District Education Officer to conduct an inquiry, which revealed serious lapses by the school management. Sivankutty stated, “The school can decide the design and colour of its students’ uniform. However, it has no right to infringe on the students’ constitutional rights. The government has asked the school management to render an explanation without delay. Consequent action, if any, would depend on the school’s clarification.”
The school remained closed for two days amid rising tensions, with police providing protection to prevent escalation. Elected representatives, including MP Hibi Eden, mediated a settlement with the girl’s parents. Sivankutty welcomed the resolution, saying, “MPs and MLAs have the right to settle such disputes. However, the government is not a party to the mediation between the elected representatives, the PTA, and the school management.”
